What a beautiful hike! I loved how I didn't see a single soul as I was climbing up until the end of the trail, when 2 Native American women passed me on their way down. There was one man at the top, looking through binoculars. The aspens were bare, except for a few at the summit, and golden leaves covered the forest floor. It was cool, in the 50s, which was perfect hiking weather.

The climb was steep in parts, but didn't disappoint. The trail was easy to follow, thanks to the green diamond markers on the trees. I saw a trail runner as I hiked down.

I loved hearing the wind in the trees. The trail was damp, but no water ran through the creek. At the end of the trail, you need to climb up the road for about 15 minutes to reach the lookout tower at the summit.

There wasn't much of a view at the top. The summit is home to satellite dishes and radio towers. But it was clear, and when I could see through the trees, I could see for miles.

All in all, a great fall hike. Next year, I'll go when the leaves are still on the aspens.